Injury and recovery

Byrd suffered a neck injury during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 29, 1992. During the play, he rushed in an attempt to sack Chiefs quarterbackDave Krieg, but Krieg stepped up to avoid the tackle, and Byrd collided with Jets teammate Scott Mersereau. He ducked his head at the last moment before he collided with Mersereau's chest. The head-first collision resulted in a broken C-5 vertebra that left him unable to walk for the time being. Eventually, after extensive physical therapy, he would walk again, but could no longer return to playing football.

During his recovery, the Jets briefly used an ichthys logo bearing his old #90. In addition, some members (mainly offensive linemen) from the Buffalo Bills also wore it as a sign of support (the first game following his injury was against the Bills).